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Ponsie Hillman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ponsie Hillman
ERNEST L. Owens
October 22, 2008
The Executive Board and Members of The Tribune Society, Inc., of the Courts in the State of New York send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of the late Ponsie B. Hillman. May the love and support of family and friends comfort you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ernest L. Owens - President The Tribune Society, Inc.
Augusta Terzol
July 30, 2008
To The Family of Ponsie Hillman,
It has been one month since my friend Ponsie's transition and I now feel ready to express my thoughts about her in writtten form.
On Thursday June 26th, I felt a great feeling of sadness that I could not explain. Later that evening, I received a telephone call about Ponsie.
When I think about Ponsie, I think of a person who was petite, poised,
positive, personable, positive and powerful! Ponsie's life has been one of participation and involvement in many organizations, political and cultural.
The last time I spoke to Ponsie, her voice expressed such pride when she spoke about the accomplishments of her grandchildren!
The life of Ponsie Hillman is one that should serve as an inspiration to all!
Staff of Manhattan Community Board 6
July 23, 2008
Dear Mrs. Winfield & Family
We were so sorry to hear about theloss of your Mother. We can see just by watching you Mrs Winfield that she was a great lady.
May you and your family find confort in knowing that she is now at peace and that in you & your children her legacy will live on.
Karen Ward-Gamble
July 23, 2008
My husband and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the Mr. & Mrs. Winfield. Mrs. Winfield stay strong and encouraged in this your time of grief.
Michelle Purdy
July 11, 2008
Dear Mrs. Winfield and family,
I remember meeting Marie's grandmother during her graduation from Wash U, and of course, I recall the times that Marie fondly mentioned her grandmother. Ms. Hillman was truly a remarkable individual and educator. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Virginia Eng
July 11, 2008
My heartfelt sympathies are extended to the family of Ponsie Hillman. Her support and encouragement will always be remembered by the Asian American Heritage Committee. She was a friend that will be missed by many.
Michelle Bodden
July 10, 2008
Ponsie was a wonderful mentor and support to me when I started at the UFT, and I had the utmost respect for her. My heartfelt condolences go out to you.
Phyllis Murray,Chapter Leader
July 8, 2008
It is with profound sorrow that we have learned of the passing of Ponsie Hillman, a diligent and untiring UFT trade unionist and civil rights activist. Ponsie Hillman was a trailblazer and an outstanding educator. As she fought the good fight , she became became a role model for so many UFTers that later followed as officers and workers in a union which advocates not only professionals but for children.
Like Mary McLeod Bethune...Ponsie Hillman leaves us with the responsibility to our young people; the respect for the use of power; and the challenge of developing confidence in one another. And to the ones who have had the privilege of working with her, please know that her Master has said,"Well done, thy good and faithful servant."
May you rest in peace, Ponsie.
Phyllis C. Murray,UFT
African American Heritage Committee/
BLACKNYSAFT
Frances (June) Conaway-Edwards
July 4, 2008
Dear Michelle and Cassandra and Family:
God Bless each of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Your mother will always be remembered in our hearts. Please stay in tough.
Love, Charlotte Conaway and June Conaway-Edwards
Beatrice Tomlinson
July 4, 2008
I am glad I got to talk to you today. I am still in shock. Ponsie was a great friend and I feel your pain. Keep going, it will be OK. with Love, Bea
Jeannine Befidi
July 2, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear the news. Robert, Isabelle and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to your whole family. I'll always remember Ponsie as a kind, sophisticated woman with a clever sense of humor. The Delta boat cruise and our lovely brunch with her on the upper west side are fond memories. I also remember having dinner with the family and she watched me struggle to eat a turkey wing with a knife and fork and said, "you know, it's ok to pick it up and eat with your fingers." That still makes me laugh.
Mary Wilson
July 2, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
A Sad Admirer
July 1, 2008
Ponsie Hillman was a truly remarkable woman as her talented family, many activities, and accomplishments can attest.
I came to know her in a different milieu, as I was privileged to serve for many years as her investment broker. She was introduced to me by a mutual friend and client.
As a beginner investor, she was very cautious and yet quick to learn. She soon developed an unusual ability to be early to discern social and business trends and with a surprisingly entrepreneurial attitude to act on those observations; always asking advice, listening, assessing and finally making or rejecting the investment opportunity.
Her decision was part emotion to be sure – a little women’s intuition perhaps, but usually well considered. And even when we disagreed she remained congenial and willing to share her perceptions. In short, she became the epitome of an ideal client: perceptive, warm, astute, and decisive.
She is sorely missed for her rare qualities.
Ronald B. Fluellen
July 1, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sylvia Cyrus
June 30, 2008
On behalf of the Executive Council, Advisory Board, and Members of the Association for the Study of African American Life & History we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of our dedicated member, Ponsie Hilman.
Prayers of comfort are directed to you all.
Sincerely,
John E. Fleming, Ph.D., National President
Sylvia Y. Cyrus, Executive Director
paula schaeffer
June 30, 2008
Dear Michelle,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I was privileged to know and work with Ponsie Hillman at UFT for many years. My admiration and respect will last forever.
EARL BARCLAY
June 30, 2008
I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR MOTHER! IN KNOWING YOU, I HAVE AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT AN INSPIRING LADY YOUR MOTHER was and IS! FOR IN ALL OF US " WE CARRY OUR PARENTS" TO ALL WE WILL MEET. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND ALL YOU FAMILY! I FEEL YOUR LOST! MAY THE POWERS THAT BE WATCH OVER YOU ALL!!
Kenisha Rhone
June 30, 2008
My sympathies to the family. Sounds like Soror Ponsie led a full life and touched many people.
EARL BARCLAY
June 30, 2008
I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR MOTHER! IN KNOWING YOU, I HAVE AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT AN INSPIRING LADY YOUR MOTHER was and IS! FOR IN ALL OF US " WE CARRY OUR PARENTS" TO ALL WE WILL MEET. MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES!
Willette Wilson-Hill
June 30, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Fred Nauman
June 30, 2008
I will always remember Ponsie as a dedicated unionist, a person of solid convictions, and of great courage. We shared some trying times and some great ones. She was one of the leaders at the UFT during its most perilous times. Her wisdom and counsel helped us through this formative period, and helped us to see the issues more clearly. I know that she loved her family dearly, and was always eager to share their accomplishments with us, but the union was part of her extended family and she was proud of its successes.
Through it all she was always a lady, and a true friend.
Miles Grier
June 30, 2008
I am always moved by the strength, energy, and purpose of Ponsie Hillman's generation. In knowing Marie, and in reading the obituary, I know that the legacy lives and, in that, I take my inspiration. May the legacy she leaves be encouragement to succeeding generations.
Warmly --
Miles
Eadie Shanker
June 29, 2008
Dear Michelle and all members of Ponsie's family,
Ponsie was a long time member and activist in the UFT, serving in many capacities as an officer and organizer of important constituencies to ensure their representation by the union. She will be remembered for her selfless devotion on behalf of others and her commitment to advancing the support of the union for those whose needs and support the union was able to address.
I always admired Ponsie for her forthright stance on issues and for her strong convictions about rights and wrongs in our society.
Ponsie was a very beautiful woman, always dressed to the nines and always wearing stunning hats that highlighted her loveliness.
Posie was one of the small band of folks in the leadership who helped build the union during some of its most difficult years.
She was one of a kind and will be remembered and missed.
Please accept my sincere condolences, and sadness, at her passing.
Eadie Shanker
Caroline LaVerne
June 29, 2008
Dear Michelle Winfield:
I was sorry to hear of your mom"s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Charles Jones
June 29, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ponsie, a fellow mathematician. I was honored with a visit by Ponsie to my classroom when I started teaching math in the late 90's. She offered some extremely helpful suggestions regarding my teaching skills that I am still utilizing to this day. Ponsie will forever be remembered and cherished for her generous assistance. My deepest sympathy!
Louise Dankberg
June 29, 2008
We are honored to have known Ponsie Hillman. She was a wonderful activist way before her time. Our sincerest condolences are extended to the entire Winfield and Schriffen families as well as to all the members of the UFT, NYSUT and the NAACP.
Louise and Jay Dankberg
Martin Brin
June 29, 2008
Ponsie introduced me to Sudoku. I lent her "Pi in the Sky". She lent me a book on how to win in Poker. I'll miss her.
Martin Brin
June 29, 2008
Ponsie introduced me to Sudoku. I lent her "Pi in the Sky". She lent a book on how to win in Poker. I'll miss her.
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